#Pro Tokyo Trips ♪ Travel the 59-Minute Yamanote Loop Day 2
Once again we set off in search of entertainment along the useful
Yamanote line, but how much do you really know about the Yamanote line?
The Yamanote Line alone is responsible for serving 3.68 million
passengers per day at 29 different stations making stops every
2.5 minutes from as early as 4am to as late as 1am the next day.
This whirling pace makes it one of the busiest train lines in the world.
Fast facts:
New York City’s Subway: 5.08 million passengers riding
26 different Lines serving 469 stations.
London’s Underground: 3.36 million passengers ridng
12 different lines serving 275 stations.
All trains is ride along only two tracks alternating clock-wise
(外回りsotomawari), and counter-clockwise (内回りuchimawari)
and they make stops at all stations without exception.
Quite possibly the easiest train to ride!
©RailRider Wikipedia.org
Nishi Nippori Station (西日暮里駅) & Nippori Station (日暮里駅 )
Nippori and Nishi Nippori station make up the shortest
distance between any of the Yamanote line stations
(about 0.5 km), so the neighborhoods are largely the same.
Nippori makes up a major railway exchange in Tokyo
because it’s essentially one of the main stations to pass
through on the way to Narita international airport.
Because of this, there are a great deal of people who pass
through the station on a given day, effectively allowing
for a growing number of businesses to flourish around the station.
To save time on your journey we’ll actually only recommend
one spot in between the two...
Nippori and Nishi Nippori station make up the shortest
distance between any of the Yamanote line stations
(about 0.5 km), so the neighborhoods are largely the same.
Nippori makes up a major railway exchange in Tokyo
because it’s essentially one of the main stations to pass
through on the way to Narita international airport.
Because of this, there are a great deal of people who pass
through the station on a given day, effectively allowing
for a growing number of businesses to flourish around the station.
To save time on your journey we’ll actually only recommend
one spot in between the two...
The Yanaka Ginza is a great place to pick up hand-made
gifts or delicious meals from smaller back alley shops.
Aside from the shopping, the area is well known for attracting
a lot of stray cats. Pet the adorable little monsters at your own
risk because after all, they are stray cats!
a lot of stray cats. Pet the adorable little monsters at your own
risk because after all, they are stray cats!
Uguisudani Station (鶯谷駅)
After riding along the Yamanote line for a while you’ll
start to notice that each station has it’s own particular style,
and restaurants and services that cater to that style. Uguisudani
possess a unique style all it’s own.
Ghost Station
Upon exiting the train you’ll soon notice two things.
Depending on what time you reach the station, there isn’t
a lot of people that frequent the station.
Neon Wonder
Uguisudani is also situated in a peculiar neon-lit area.
Most notably there is a high concentration of “Love Hotels”
in the vicinity of the station. That’s right, I said ‘L-O-V-E hotel’,
no further explanation should be necessary.
Venture at your own risk!
Ueno Station (上野駅)
A major transport hub on the eastern side of Tokyo,
Ueno station is like most other major stations surrounded
by shopping areas and restaurants. With over 20 tracks
serving various key lines we recommend getting spending a
little time inside the station checking out the smaller shops
and restaurants if you have time.
Things to do in Ueno Station:
http://cometojapankuru.blogspot.jp/2015/08/shopping-
story-of-atre-2-in-ueno.html#more
Fallen Hero
Ueno’s park is a great cultural walk destination featuring
the Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Nature and
Science, National Museum of Western Art, etc just to name a few.
This shot was taken at the statue of Saigo Takamori, the
inspiration for the Hollywood film The Last Samurai.
More info:
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/
tokyo/ueno.html
When exploring the area we advise that you take a
brief walk through the area surrounding the station
and try some of the smaller restaurants. They cater to a
working businessman by offering hearty lunches at a
cheaper price than you’ll find in other neighborhoods.
Hamamatsucho Station (浜松町駅)
Similar to Shimbashi Hamamatsucho sports a similar
atmosphere catering to ‘Salarymen’ with bars and cheap
Izakayas (Japanese style pub) nearby. However, for an
interesting experience it’d be a good idea to check out the
area during the morning rush. There’s something almost
magical about the flow of an endless number of people
moving in almost complete synchronicity.
Top of the Rock, Japan Style
Literally right across the street from the station you’ll
find the World Trade Center building Observatory called
Seaside Top. This observatory offers a 360-degree angle of
Tokyo’s skyline from 152 meters above ground. The view
wouldn’t be complete without a band of love seats lining
the entire space offering the perfect setting for a twilight date.
Address: (google)
2-4-1 Hamamatsu-cho Minato-ku 105-6140
Phone:
03-3435-6026
Website:
https://www.wtcbldg.co.jp/wtcb/facility/seaside/index.html
Tamachi Station (田町駅)
Our journey is nearing an end and I know you must be tired,
but please hang on! The finish line is in sight! So far we've
traversed 27 of the 29 stations, and explored the nearby gems
worth getting off the train for.
Tamachi Station brings us extremely close to Tokyo
Bay and because the weather is relatively nice we
decided to take a stroll over to the rainbow bridge.
It's such a beautiful day for a walk! The scenic walk
from Tamachi to Odaiba offers amazing panoramic views
of downtown Tokyo from set amidst the beautiful bay. The
bridge stretches 2,618 ft. long and is pedestrian friendly.
It’s a bit of a tough walk because of the wind from the
passing cars but the view is well worth it!
Website:
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/bridges/rainbowbridge.html
Shinagawa Station (品川駅）
Shinagawa Station marks our last stop on the Yamanote Line,
and the end to our hour-long loop of metropolitan Tokyo.
One of the oldest original stations Shinagawa also boasts
the 6th busiest foot-traffic in the JR East train service.
The massive scale of the station is easily apparent walking
through the towering halls while switching lines.
Congratulations, you've survived 48 hours on one of the
busiest train lines in the world! After one completes such a
journey as this, many would say that you have gained a
profound deeper understanding of the place you've been exploring.
However, the truth is, we barely scratched the surface! Tokyo
is an amazingly complex and massive city and one that must be
taken in one district at a time. Enjoy your stay in Tokyo and
hurry and don't miss the next train!! (even though one more
will come in 2 minutes lol)
One piece of parting advice for anyone who dares to try this
adventure in the near future. Bring comfortable shoes and take lots of pics!
A major transport hub on the eastern side of Tokyo,
Ueno station is like most other major stations surrounded
by shopping areas and restaurants. With over 20 tracks
serving various key lines we recommend getting spending a
little time inside the station checking out the smaller shops
and restaurants if you have time.
Things to do in Ueno Station:
http://cometojapankuru.blogspot.jp/2015/08/shopping-
story-of-atre-2-in-ueno.html#more
Fallen Hero
Ueno’s park is a great cultural walk destination featuring
the Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Nature and
Science, National Museum of Western Art, etc just to name a few.
This shot was taken at the statue of Saigo Takamori, the
inspiration for the Hollywood film The Last Samurai.
More info:
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/
tokyo/ueno.html
Okachimachi Station (御徒町駅)
Due to ongoing renovations at Okachimachi station we decided
to focus on the amazing nearby shopping district. Ameyoko is
basically a bazaar of sorts, a collection of unique shops offering
low priced goods. It’s also accessible from Ueno Station but
the distance between the two stations isn’t very far so
the shopping district extends the distance between the
two stations. The area is unique because most of the shops
sit under the railway line making for an interesting
underground atmosphere.
to focus on the amazing nearby shopping district. Ameyoko is
basically a bazaar of sorts, a collection of unique shops offering
low priced goods. It’s also accessible from Ueno Station but
the distance between the two stations isn’t very far so
the shopping district extends the distance between the
two stations. The area is unique because most of the shops
sit under the railway line making for an interesting
underground atmosphere.
Akihabara Station (秋葉原駅)
Akihabara, referred to as the electronics town, is the place
to visit for anyone interested in anything electronic, or
people who want to experience otaku (fanatic) culture.
There are also many hobby shops devoted to various things such
as action figures or model aircraft, etc... Safe to say that
when most people imagine Tokyo, an image of Akihabara
will most likely spring to mind.
to visit for anyone interested in anything electronic, or
people who want to experience otaku (fanatic) culture.
There are also many hobby shops devoted to various things such
as action figures or model aircraft, etc... Safe to say that
when most people imagine Tokyo, an image of Akihabara
will most likely spring to mind.
Capsule Paradise
One of the earlier mentioned hobby shops/fanatic shops
dedicated to Gachapon, or capsule toy vending machines.
This is a smaller shop but it’s quite interesting the range
of toys and the details in the characters.
dedicated to Gachapon, or capsule toy vending machines.
This is a smaller shop but it’s quite interesting the range
of toys and the details in the characters.
Capture your toy today!
Website:
http://www.akibagacha.com/
Address:
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Sotokanda 3-15-5
Phone:
03-5209-6020
Hours:
11:00〜20:00(Mon-Thu.)
11:00〜22:00(Fri, Sat.)
11:00〜19:00(Sun & Holidays)
Kanda Station (神田駅)
Fast approaching the main business district of Tokyo, our
next exchange drops us off at the intermediary Kanda Station.
Home to the largest bookstore district in Japan (Jinbocho),
there’s not too much to do in the so we recommend
exploring a nearby cultural site.
next exchange drops us off at the intermediary Kanda Station.
Home to the largest bookstore district in Japan (Jinbocho),
there’s not too much to do in the so we recommend
exploring a nearby cultural site.
Tokyo Resurrection Cathedral
The main Cathedral of the Japanese Orthodox church,
founded in 1891 by Ivan Dmitrievich Kasatkin, a Russian
archbishop seeking to improve relations between Japan and
Russia during the Meiji Era. The stark contrast in architecture
between the sleek Japanese buildings and the Byzantine
influenced architecture is astounding. A great cultural
break from all the shopping
founded in 1891 by Ivan Dmitrievich Kasatkin, a Russian
archbishop seeking to improve relations between Japan and
Russia during the Meiji Era. The stark contrast in architecture
between the sleek Japanese buildings and the Byzantine
influenced architecture is astounding. A great cultural
break from all the shopping
Tokyo Station (東京駅)
In sheer volume of trains moving through a single station,
Tokyo Station is by far the busiest, although it doesn’t have
the most foot-traffic. Still undergoing renovations to be recreated
as it was back in 1914, Tokyo station is the starting point of
many intercity bullet trains. Walking down the halls of the station
you can feel the history through the architecture
reminiscent of old times.
Tokyo Station is by far the busiest, although it doesn’t have
the most foot-traffic. Still undergoing renovations to be recreated
as it was back in 1914, Tokyo station is the starting point of
many intercity bullet trains. Walking down the halls of the station
you can feel the history through the architecture
reminiscent of old times.
Secret Passageway
Most people aren’t aware but there is actually a secret
entrance to the station for Emperor Akihito. Whenever
the emperor does make a public appearance (which isn’t very often)
, you can imagine there’s quite a bit of fanfare. Because of this,
a special entrance was created. It’s blocked off to the public
unfortunately, but you can still sneak
a peak from behind the fence!
entrance to the station for Emperor Akihito. Whenever
the emperor does make a public appearance (which isn’t very often)
, you can imagine there’s quite a bit of fanfare. Because of this,
a special entrance was created. It’s blocked off to the public
unfortunately, but you can still sneak
a peak from behind the fence!
Yurakucho Station (有楽町駅)
The elevated Yurakacho Station is a relatively busy station
with shopping, entertainment and dining nearby.
From the station you have the ritzy shopping district Ginza
to the South, Marunuchi business district to the North, and
Hibiya Park to the West. Not a bad place to live if you love
being in the center of the city!
with shopping, entertainment and dining nearby.
From the station you have the ritzy shopping district Ginza
to the South, Marunuchi business district to the North, and
Hibiya Park to the West. Not a bad place to live if you love
being in the center of the city!
Tokyo International Forum
A great architectural wonder can be found nearby the station.
A modern theater/forum used for holding exhibitions among
other events is a great place to admire the work of Rafael
Viñoly. Plan ahead because it can become a very busy
thoroughfare during the morning and afternoon rush.
A modern theater/forum used for holding exhibitions among
other events is a great place to admire the work of Rafael
Viñoly. Plan ahead because it can become a very busy
thoroughfare during the morning and afternoon rush.
Shimbashi Station (新橋)
Shimbashi is one of the oldest stations once serving
as a
terminus station for the Tokaido Main Line. Nowadays
the area is more or less a salary man town or businessman
town. The nearby high-rise office buildings matched
with the wealth of cheap bars and restaurants creates an
inviting atmosphere for citizens in the land of no sleep.
terminus station for the Tokaido Main Line. Nowadays
the area is more or less a salary man town or businessman
town. The nearby high-rise office buildings matched
with the wealth of cheap bars and restaurants creates an
inviting atmosphere for citizens in the land of no sleep.
When exploring the area we advise that you take a
brief walk through the area surrounding the station
and try some of the smaller restaurants. They cater to a
working businessman by offering hearty lunches at a
cheaper price than you’ll find in other neighborhoods.
Hamamatsucho Station (浜松町駅)
Similar to Shimbashi Hamamatsucho sports a similar
atmosphere catering to ‘Salarymen’ with bars and cheap
Izakayas (Japanese style pub) nearby. However, for an
interesting experience it’d be a good idea to check out the
area during the morning rush. There’s something almost
magical about the flow of an endless number of people
moving in almost complete synchronicity.
Top of the Rock, Japan Style
Literally right across the street from the station you’ll
find the World Trade Center building Observatory called
Seaside Top. This observatory offers a 360-degree angle of
Tokyo’s skyline from 152 meters above ground. The view
wouldn’t be complete without a band of love seats lining
the entire space offering the perfect setting for a twilight date.
Address: (google)
2-4-1 Hamamatsu-cho Minato-ku 105-6140
Phone:
03-3435-6026
Website:
https://www.wtcbldg.co.jp/wtcb/facility/seaside/index.html
Tamachi Station (田町駅)
Our journey is nearing an end and I know you must be tired,
but please hang on! The finish line is in sight! So far we've
traversed 27 of the 29 stations, and explored the nearby gems
worth getting off the train for.
Tamachi Station brings us extremely close to Tokyo
Bay and because the weather is relatively nice we
decided to take a stroll over to the rainbow bridge.
It's such a beautiful day for a walk! The scenic walk
from Tamachi to Odaiba offers amazing panoramic views
of downtown Tokyo from set amidst the beautiful bay. The
bridge stretches 2,618 ft. long and is pedestrian friendly.
It’s a bit of a tough walk because of the wind from the
passing cars but the view is well worth it!
Website:
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/bridges/rainbowbridge.html
Shinagawa Station (品川駅）
Shinagawa Station marks our last stop on the Yamanote Line,
and the end to our hour-long loop of metropolitan Tokyo.
One of the oldest original stations Shinagawa also boasts
the 6th busiest foot-traffic in the JR East train service.
The massive scale of the station is easily apparent walking
through the towering halls while switching lines.
Epson Aqua Park
There’s actually another aquarium in Shinagawa but we
decided to venture to the Epson Aqua Park to marvel at
the magnificent show! A dynamic performance from dolphins
and other sea creatures with music, water and lights
transforming enveloping you with love for these gentle giants.
Website:
Congratulations, you've survived 48 hours on one of the
busiest train lines in the world! After one completes such a
journey as this, many would say that you have gained a
profound deeper understanding of the place you've been exploring.
However, the truth is, we barely scratched the surface! Tokyo
is an amazingly complex and massive city and one that must be
taken in one district at a time. Enjoy your stay in Tokyo and
hurry and don't miss the next train!! (even though one more
will come in 2 minutes lol)
One piece of parting advice for anyone who dares to try this
adventure in the near future. Bring comfortable shoes and take lots of pics!
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